Owais Crawford
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was established in 2012 and allows recipients to obtain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) or I-766 forms. While DACA recipients are not required to disclose their immigration status to employers, employers must verify an employee's identity and authorization to work. Some jobs at airports require a 10-year background check and U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. However, certain airport jobs may only require a valid driver's license and other FAA airport-required identification. Additionally, DACA recipients can fly domestically within the U.S. and internationally for educational, employment, or humanitarian purposes. As of May 7, 2025, the REAL ID Act will require certain identification for boarding commercial aircraft in the U.S. DACA recipients should check their state's REAL ID requirements and plan accordingly if they intend to travel by air.
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What You'll Learn
- DACA recipients can work at airports without volunteering their immigration status
- Airports are government-owned, but leased to private companies
- DACA recipients can fly domestically with their work permit
- A REAL ID license may be required to fly from May 7, 2025
- DACA recipients can only travel for educational, employment, and humanitarian purposes
DACA recipients can work at airports without volunteering their immigration status
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients can work at airports without volunteering their immigration status. When hiring a new employee, employers are required to verify the employee's identity and authorization to work, not their immigration status. Employers use Form I-9 for this process, and DACA court decisions do not change Form I-9 rules or processes.
Federal laws such as the Immigration and Nationality Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and 42 U.S.C. § 1981 protect employees from employment discrimination based on factors including citizenship, immigration status, national origin, and race. State and local laws may offer additional protections to workers.
DACA recipients can fly domestically within the U.S. with their work permit, also called an "EAD" or "I-766", which is acceptable to pass through TSA security screening. However, as of May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer accept non-compliant driver's licenses as proof of identification to board commercial aircraft. Instead, a REAL ID driver's license or ID card may be required.
DACA recipients interested in obtaining a REAL ID license or ID card should check their state's requirements and plan ahead, as it may take time to book an appointment. It is important to note that even without a REAL ID license, DACA recipients may still be allowed to fly if they complete an identity verification process at the airport.
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Airports are government-owned, but leased to private companies
While airports are largely government-owned, they are often leased to private companies. This is a common model for airport ownership and management, known as a public-private partnership (PPP). In this arrangement, private companies collaborate with government entities to finance, design, build, and operate airports, combining the strengths of both sectors. For example, while the City of New York owns JFK and LaGuardia Airports, they are leased to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) for operational purposes. Similarly, the City of Newark owns its airport but leases it to the same authority.
In the United States, major airports like Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport are owned by local authorities. However, some airports in the US, like Avon Park, Florida, are exploring the option of leasing their local airport to a private operator. Outside of the US, local governments also frequently own airports, but lease them to private companies. For instance, in the United Kingdom, Heathrow Airport is privately owned, but the government maintains a regulatory role to safeguard public interests. This collaboration allows for strategic investment, efficient management, and continuous improvements in passenger experience.
PPPs allow local governments to transfer financial risk to private partners while incorporating private sector innovations and investments. They can also help local governments reduce their exposure to the risk of projects going over budget and alleviate the burden of design, development, and long-term management. Airports owned by private companies can lead to more streamlined decision-making processes, quicker adaptation to market changes, and a focus on profitability. In contrast, government-owned airports prioritise public interests and enforce regulatory measures to ensure safety and security.
While fully private ownership of airports is rare in the United States, public-private partnerships (P3s) are far more common. P3s are long-term contracts where a private entity assumes certain responsibilities for a public asset, such as building, financing, operating, and maintaining it. P3s allow local governments to maintain ownership of their airports while still accessing the benefits of private sector involvement.
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DACA recipients can fly domestically with their work permit
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients can fly domestically within the US with their work permit, also known as an EAD or I-766. This work permit is acceptable to pass through TSA security screening for domestic flights within the United States.
It is important to note that each immigration case is unique, and it is recommended that DACA recipients consult with a qualified immigration lawyer before travelling. Additionally, DACA recipients should be aware of the specific requirements and restrictions that may apply to their situation.
When travelling, DACA recipients must present a valid and unexpired photo ID issued by a state or federal government. Undocumented individuals, including those with DACA, can use several forms of ID accepted by the TSA, such as a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) or a REAL ID license. Most states allow DACA recipients to obtain a REAL ID license, but this may vary depending on the state and the individual's DACA status. It is essential to check the requirements of the specific state and plan ahead when travelling.
As of May 7, 2025, the TSA will no longer accept non-compliant driver's licenses as proof of identification for domestic flights. Therefore, DACA recipients who plan to travel within the US by commercial aircraft should consider obtaining a REAL ID license or another acceptable form of identification, such as an Employment Authorization Card. It is recommended to review the TSA's guidelines and the list of acceptable identification documents before travelling to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
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A REAL ID license may be required to fly from May 7, 2025
As for working at an airport with DACA documentation, it depends on the exact job role. Some airport jobs may require you to be a permanent resident or US citizen and pass a background check. However, certain positions only require a valid driver's license and other FAA airport-required identification.
Regarding identification for flying, as of May 7, 2025, US travelers must have a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state-issued ID typically has a star in the upper right corner. If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant license or ID, you can use other acceptable forms of identification, such as a passport. These requirements are essential to keep in mind, especially if you plan to fly domestically or visit federal facilities.
It's important to note that DACA recipients can fly domestically within the US. The DACA work permit, also known as an "EAD" or "I-766," is currently accepted by the TSA for domestic flights. However, each immigration case is unique, and consulting with an immigration lawyer is recommended for specific circumstances.
To obtain a REAL ID-compliant license or ID, individuals can visit their state's driver's licensing agency website to learn about the application process and required documentation. Typically, proof of residency is required, which can be provided through various documents, including deeds, mortgage statements, lease agreements, utility bills, or bank statements. It is advisable to confirm the specific requirements with the relevant authorities or official sources.
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DACA recipients can only travel for educational, employment, and humanitarian purposes
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a program established in 2012 that provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization for qualifying individuals. As of 2023, a district court issued a decision finding the Department of Homeland Security's 2022 DACA regulation unlawful, and as a result, the government cannot grant new DACA applications. However, existing DACA recipients retain their grant of DACA and can continue to renew their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).
DACA recipients who possess a valid work permit can travel within the United States by airplane. When passing through TSA security screening, DACA recipients can use their EAD as identification. As of May 7, 2025, the TSA will no longer accept non-compliant driver's licenses as proof of identification for boarding commercial aircraft. Instead, DACA recipients may need to obtain a REAL ID license or card, which requires documentation showing full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, two proofs of address of principal residence, and lawful immigration status. Alternatively, they can refer to the TSA's list of acceptable identification documents and plan ahead to avoid delays at the airport.
It is important to note that DACA recipients can only travel for specific purposes, namely educational, employment, and humanitarian reasons. When applying for advance parole, DACA recipients must provide evidence supporting the specific purpose of their travel, such as answering the "who, what, when, where, and why" of their travel plans. While vacation is not a valid purpose for travel, DACA recipients can fly domestically within the United States for the approved purposes mentioned earlier.
Additionally, when applying for jobs, DACA recipients are not required to disclose their immigration status to employers, and employers are not expected to know their employees' immigration status. Employers are required to verify an employee's identity and authorization to work, and they must accept documentation that reasonably appears to be genuine. Federal laws protect employees from discrimination based on citizenship, immigration status, national origin, and race.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, DACA recipients can work at the airport. However, some jobs may require a 10-year background check, permanent residency, or U.S. citizenship.
DACA recipients need to provide their employers with their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) or Form I-766.
DACA recipients can travel by air for educational, employment, and humanitarian purposes. They will need to present their advance parole document to a CBP officer at the airport. They may also need to show their U.S. visa or green card.
